PM Narendra Modi's message to the nation on No Tobacco Day

New Delhi, May 31: The World No Tobacco Day is observed all across countries on May 31. While the world tries to abstain from Tobacco for 24 hours, Prime Minister left a message for the people on the side-effects on Tobacco on Twitter.

He said,"On World No Tobacco Day, lets pledge to spread awareness on the risks of tobacco consumption & work to reduce tobacco consumption in India. Tobacco not only affects those consuming it but also people around. By saying no to tobacco, let us lay the foundation of a healthier India."

Tobacco affects the person consuming it and the people around. Saying no to tobacco is laying the foundation of a healthier India: PM

A report by the Economic Times on May 29 discussed how ailments from tobacco use cost India Rs 1.04 lakh in 2011.

Highlighting the immense economic and productivity loss, the report further calculates that the direct medical cost of tobacco-attributable diseases was Rs 16,800 crore and associated indirect morbidity cost was Rs 14,700 crore. In fact, it is said premature mortality stood at a cost of Rs 73,000 crore. Incidentally, the reprot was released by Health Minister Harsh Vardan.

According to the report, Tobacco use and the associated costs are creating an enormous burden for the nation. Vardhan termed tobacco consumption as a menace and insisted on addressing the issue through a movement and tackle its growing use in India.